Minister of Youth and Sport Tim Smith told a Sandys public meeting he could give no guarantees.

The news came in the Throne Speech on Friday.

The Speech said: "The Ministry of Youth Development, Sport and Recreation has assumed management for a number of public recreation areas on the former base lands and it is anticipated that design plans to improve these properties will lead to increased public usage.

"Having opened a successful community centre at the East End of the Island, Government will seek to provide a similar facility at the West End.'' The decision came after Sandys residents campaigned for a suitable youth centre and suggested the old Canadian base at Daniel's Head as an ideal site.

Last night Mr. Smith did not rule out Daniel's Head -- but said the site was probably too remote for what the Ministry hoped to achieve.

"A site has not been chosen -- we are actively trying to find one. We are keeping our options open. I wouldn't say definitely no to Daniel's Head. But I would prefer, and I have discussed this with my Cabinet colleagues, that it was in Somerset proper.

"I want young people to walk past it and even though they don't know what the facility might offer, I want them to be able to see it and venture in out of curiosity.'' Mr. Smith told a community meeting in Sandys in March that he sympathised with calls for a youth centre -- but stressed he could give no guarantees on a new building or the use of the Base lands.

He said last night that the decision to press ahead with a centre -- planned to be up and running in months -- was partly prompted by the success of a similar centre in St. George's and partly through a desire to do more for the West End.

Sandys North MP Dennis Lister, whose constituency includes Daniel's Head, said: "I listened with great interest when it was announced -- but we have to find out more about what exactly they are talking about.

"Those in the community who were attempting to work with Government know nothing about this,'' he said. "If Government was sincere in their efforts, those in the community who were trying to bring about these things would be told what Government's plans were instead of being in the dark.'' GOVERNMENT GVT MILITARY MIL